Auto rickshaw drivers demand increase in fare

Auto rickshaw drivers demand increase in fare

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, August 12, 2010: The Federation of Karnataka Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (FKARDU) and the Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU) jointly staged a protest in front of the DC’s office on Aug 12, Thursday. 

 

General Secretary of FKARDU (district unit) L. T. Suvarna said in his protest speech that the recent hike in the price of fuel and essential commodities is making it impossible for common people to lead a normal life and pointed out that more than 10,000 auto rickshaw drivers are finding it difficult to eke out a living owing to the unjust policies of the district administration. 

He demanded that the minimum fare for auto rickshaws must be increased from Rs. 13 to Rs. 16 for the first 1.5km and thereafter from Rs. 9 per kilometer to Rs. 11 per kilometer. He said that a memorandum has already been submitted to DC V. Ponnuraj, but there has been no response. 

CITU leader Mr. Vasanth Achari said that the situation has driven auto rickshaw drivers from all over the state to protest. None of the facilities and schemes for auto rickshaw drivers have been implemented by the government, he alleged. The recent hike in prices of fuel and other essentials have had an adverse effect on auto rickshaw drivers, he said. 

District President of FKARDU Sunil Kumar Bajal was also present.